Antitussives Flashcards
Antitussives
Drug Names
Benzonatate
Codeine and Hydrocodone
Dextromethorphan
Antitussives
Actions
Act directly on the medullary cough center of the brain to depress the cough reflex
Benzonatate: local anesthetic on the respiratory tract
Antitussives
Indications
Control nonproductive cough
Antitussives
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindications:
- Patients who need to cough to maintain the airway (these drugs suppress the cough)
- Head injury or impaired CNS (these drugs act centrally, so it can worsen these conditions)
- Serious respiratory conditions like asthma and emphysema (can result in build up of secretions)
- Pregnancy and lactation
Cautions:
- Hypersensitivity or history of narcotic addiction
- If they need to be alert
Do not give unless we know the cause of the cough- could be an indicator of an underlying condition
Antitussives
Adverse Effects
Drying effects on the mucous membranes
CNS effects: drowsiness and sedation
GI upset: from drying effects: nausea, dry mouth, constipation
Antitussives
Drug-Drug Interactions
MAOIs - hypotension, fever, nausea, myoclonic jerks, coma can occur
Antitussives
Nursing Process: Assessment
History:
- any contraindications or cautions
- Allergy
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Cough longer than 1 week
Physical Exam:
- Baseline
- Orientation and affect (CNS effects)
- Lung sounds
- Temperature (underlying infection)
Antitussives
Nursing Process: Diagnoses
Disturbed sensory perception r/t effects of the drug
Deficient knowledge r/t to drug therapy
Antitussives
Nursing Process: Implementation
Do not taken longer than needed
Further medical evaluation for persistent coughs or those with increased fever, rash, or excessive secretions
Additional cough relieving measures
Patient teaching
Antitussives
Nursing Process: Evaluation
Patient response to drug (control of cough, adverse effects)
Effectiveness of teaching plan
Compliance
Effectiveness of other measures to relieve cough
